Last night I had the opportunity to attend an art gallery reception for Back Alleys and Urban Landscapes , Michael Cho‘s art book on the unseen treasures of hidden Hogtown. Cho draws back the veil on these necessary arteries, and lets the viewer experience these hidden gems of city life. When people think about Toronto architecture they first might think about the CN Tower, the SkyDome (yeah, I said it), or Casa Loma, but these are only part of the city. The pieces are like examining the obverse of a coin; they are part of a whole but have their own tale to tell.
Michael captures the uniqueness of each laneway: some are desolate and sad, some beautifully utilitarian, but all demonstrate the uniqueness and wonder that can be found in the seemingly unimportant.
Whenever I meet someone who tells me that they hate Toronto I now have a new response: simply show them Back Alleys and Urban Landscapes. The exhibition is on at The Gallery at 129 Ossington and runs until the end of the month. I would encourage you to check it out and buy the book. It is a must have for lovers of Toronto and urban enthusiasts.
Of course, Anthony, as a former Classics student you remember that, in numismatics, the obverse or “heads” side is actually considered the *front* of the coin, right?
I actually made that mistake on purpose to test you. Thor Odinson is quite correct faithful readers: I should have said reverse.
What’s the cost of admission to this showing?
The exhibit is free.